China-ASEAN Launches Cross-Border Bryde’s Whale Conservation Alliance

At the China-ASEAN Environmental Cooperation Forum held in Beihai, Guangxi, China and ASEAN nations reached a consensus to establish the “Beibu Gulf-South China Sea Bryde’s Whale Conservation Alliance,” designating Bryde’s whales as its flagship species. The waters around Weizhou Island in Guangxi, a critical habitat for Bryde’s whales, will collaborate with Southeast Asian nations on population surveys, joint prevention and control of marine pollution, and ecological corridor development. Plans include seeking funding support from the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This initiative aims to address threats faced by transboundary migratory cetaceans, such as conflicts with fisheries and vessel collisions, while establishing a regional ecological cooperation demonstration project.